Lancing Parish Council Website

Date

Question or issue raised

Council’s response

Action required (if any)

4/11/09

Full Council

Can the attachments, referred to on agendas, be placed on the web for public consumption? 

This was agreed earlier at the Full Council meeting which was duly minuted.

Clerk to action but there may be a need for a new scanner as the existing machine may not be good enough. The Clerk will monitor this matter.  

4/11/09

Full Council

There was concern that the public would no longer be permitted to ask questions of the Council as the requirement to keep questions to matters on the agenda would limit questioning of other matters.

One resident considered that the letter sent by the Clerk to some residents was condescending and that it stated that it was the Clerk’s decision as to what appears on the agenda.

There are several ways of bringing matters to the attention of the Council outside of Council meetings and this reporting system is the direct result of an initiative introduced by Council a number of months ago. Details of the other ‘routes’ are available on the web.

The letter sent to residents who regularly attend meetings was done so out of consideration and openness so as to explain in advance the required governing of Council meetings. This information and explanation is now displayed on the web site.

There was no assertion or inference that the decision as to what appears on agendas was the Clerks to make. As in all matters related to Council procedures it is the Council that decide on the agendas for their meetings.   

These reports of public questions and Council responses will be posted on the web site.

4/11/09

Full Council

What is the latest situation regarding the drainage to the new kiosk? 

Some residents were critical of the Clerks failure to factor in alternative drainage solutions as the new Murphy’s bar development, which was to provide the drainage connection, had now been delayed.

There were some displeased members of the public who were concerned about the potential extra costs which may be required to drain the new kiosk. Residents were of the opinion that contingencies should have been included into the initial costs to ‘load’ estimates.       

There was also a call from one resident for a review.

At the time the scheme to replace the kiosk was decided tentative agreement had been reached with the developers to drain the kiosk via the Murphy’s bar drainage system.  This is still viable, as there will be a requirement for the new building to be drained, but due to the present suspension of the main building works alternative engineering solutions are being explored.  

It is not good practice to ‘load’ estimates as this gives a false account of Council finances and reserves. Estimates are given in good faith and qualified where necessary. Council was made aware of the possibility of additional costs in connection with this project. (F&GP 2009/10 Minute 9.2)

 A project review was not considered necessary as the matter of the drainage of the kiosk had always been a known risk and this matter had been brought up in a number of previous meetings. (A&E 2008/9 Minutes 58.2 & 66.2 and 09/10 Minute 18.1).

The Clerk will present the options regarding engineering solutions to the drainage situation to Council in due course and once facts and details are known.